Disney4me

Considering the lab equipment, cash and drugs police say they found in a UCF student's apartment, the scene might have been reminiscent of the hit TV show "Breaking Bad." View the full article

"Queen of Versailles" Jackie Siegel makes an unusual admission on "Celebrity Wife Swap," according to a release from ABC. View the full article

SeaWorld Entertainment's chief financial officer, James Heaney, is resigning to take a job in the cruise industry. Heaney will stay with SeaWorld until June 19. The company has announced Marc G. Swanson as interim chief financial officer, effective June 1. Swanson has been SeaWorld's chief accounting... View the full article

My workplace looks a little different today. There are pine trees on the horizon instead of palms, I’m surrounded by water that appears oddly void of reptiles, and a curious number of people have cloaked themselves in some kind of woven, long-sleeved alternative to shirts called “sweaters.” Weird, but fun. Clearly, I’m not in Florida anymore. I’m in Canada. Or at least I was yesterday. I’m not sure exactly where I am today, but I know I’m somewhere between the port of Vancouver and the Tracy Arm Fjord, sailing with Disney Vacation Club Members aboard the Disney Wonder on our first Member Cruise to Alaska! Always my favorite business trip and long a highlight on many Members’ vacation calendars, a Member Cruise is a Disney Vacation Club charter voyage that enhances the already extraordinary Disney Cruise Line experience with custom décor, unique in-room gifts and a diverse lineup of special shows and experiences for Members and their guests. This year’s entertainment lineup is as wild as our Alaskan itinerary (a dramatic departure from our traditional Bahamian Member Cruise itineraries), featuring everyone from contemporary filmmakers to dynamic stage and screen stars to insightful authors and historians. Part of the fun of the Member Cruise experience is the surprise reveal of our lineup as we sail out of port. For this year’s epic voyage, we introduced our entertainment lineup with an epic movie trailer. I actually voiced the trailer’s “scratch track” before we hired a professional actor, and I now understand why those temporary recordings are called “scratch” tracks. Listening to my voice describe the lineup made me want to scratch my ears off. Fortunately, the final cut I now share with you kept me safely away from the microphone. You’re welcome. I’ll check back later in the voyage to introduce you to some of our special guests. In the meantime, I’m off to see a presentation about bears. Maybe I’ll meet Kenai. Or Koda. Or Ditka! Disney Vacation Club Sails Onward to Alaska by Ryan March: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Is your kiddo a future Disney Chef in the making? If so, you may want to sign him or her up for the Annual Kid’s Cooking Class, returning to Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe in Downtown Disney Orlando on Saturday, June 20th at 11 am! Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe What’s on the docket for any junior chefs in attendance? Not only will they learn kitchen essentials from master chefs, but they’ll also take part in creating a few Downtown Disney dishes (in kid-friendly versions, of course)! The menu includes Rice Balls from Portbello, Kid’s Pizza with assorted toppings from Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe, and will end with a Banana Split from Fulton’s Crab House. © Wolgang Puck Cafe Orlando The cost to attend is $40 per child. Included in the ticket are all ingredients for the dishes, along with an apron and fun-sized chef’s hat. Interested parents may call 407-828-8996 to reserve a spot for their child, or to find out more information. I know — kids get all the cool stuff, right? Well, not entirely… there’s something for all you culinary-minded big kids, too! On Saturday, June 6th at 12:00 noon, Downtown Disney’s Portobello Restaurant will be hosting a cooking demonstration with Chef Tony Mantuano. And the best part is, it’s a “dine-along”! Watch Chef Tony create a 4-course meal especially for event guests. Portobello After the meal begins with Passed Appetizers of Calamari Pizza and Eggplant Fries, each subsequent course will be paired with wine. Courses include Tuna Tartare, Rigatoni alla Norma, a Swordfish Peperonata entree, and Cannoli Siciliani for dessert. Tickets are $50.00 per person, and interested guests may call 407-828-8996 to reserve a spot, or visit the Portobello Restaurant website for information. Bon appétit to both the big and little chefs! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Cooking Classes for Adults at Downtown Disney July 10, 2010 Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Fulton’s Crab House, and Portobello in WDW’s Downtown Disney Offer Group Cooking Classes NEWS! Downtown Disney Foodtopia Coming This October! View the full article

The IRS says thieves used an online service provided by the agency to gain access to information from more than 100,000 taxpayers. View the full article

Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio told the Christian Broadcasting Network that the push for nationwide same-sex marriage represents a threat to Christianity. View the full article

Valencia College has permanently banned having students perform vaginal probes on each other in its ultrasound classroom programs, after a lawsuit was filed that highlighted the practice. View the full article

The new issue of Disney twenty-three is a love letter to Walt Disney’s original theme park with more than 40 pages of photographs, artwork and stories that span from the inception of Disneyland to the excitement of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. D23, Disney’s Official Fan Club, takes readers on a fabulous and fascinating journey in the new issue, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members. Disney Legend Marty Sklar and Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Executive Bruce Vaughn take a stroll through the park together reminiscing about Disneyland’s rich history while looking to its exciting future. Plus there’s something for every Disneyland fan, from features about the pitch portfolio full of dazzling concept artwork used to sell Walt’s dream of Disneyland to East Coast investors and a story on unique collectibles through the years to a look at rare photographs from the Disneyland Hotel and a “sampling” of some of our favorite park treats (churro, anyone?). Dive in and enjoy, and if you’re not already a D23 Gold Member, you can join today and get more information here. D23 Celebrates Disneyland Resort by Jeffrey Epstein: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Bruce Jenner has had full gender reassignment surgery and is now legally considered a woman, RadarOnline.com reports. View the full article

I hope you’ve been enjoying my suggestions for excursions to take during your Disney cruise in Hawaii. Last but not least, let’s check out what you can experience on the lush island of O’ahu. Not only is O’ahu abounding in natural beauty like the rest of the Hawaiian islands, it is steeped in rich history and home to Honolulu’s thriving modern metropolis, providing Port Adventure options for every interest. Honolulu is also your gateway to the world’s newest Disney resort and spa, Aulani, in nearby Ko Olina. I highly recommend booking a stay here before or after your cruise, depending on which of our two Hawaiian voyages you join. What’s more, you can reserve a room just for your Honolulu port day with the Be Our Guest at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina Port Adventure. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the magic and amenities of this first-class resort! Those who want to venture a little farther out will love our Explore And Taste Oahus North Shore Honolulu Port Adventure. We take you on a tour of the coast to see famous places, including the Dole Pineapple Plantation and the picturesque Byodo-In Temple located at the base of 2,000-foot cliffs. You’ll also travel to the surfing mecca of the world, visiting the North Shore’s Sunset Beach and Waimea Valley, before stopping at Haleiwa Beach Park where Green Sea Turtles occasionally rest on the golden sand or swim in the aquamarine water close to shore. If you want to see iconic sights, excursions like our Waikiki Beach Break and Diamond Head Crater Summit Adventure take you to the area’s popular spots to enjoy nature. Other options, including the Arizona Memorial & City Tour and the Pearl Harbor VIP Military Base Tour take you back in history and give you the chance to pay your respects at important landmarks. That concludes my series on Port Adventures in Hawaii. Fantastic options, don’t you agree? If you missed my other posts, take a look back so you can start planning your trip of a lifetime. Aloha! Exploring the Big Island of Hawai‘i on Two Special Disney Cruise Line VoyagesSpectacular Kaua‘i Adventures on a Disney Cruise to HawaiiExperiencing the Incredible Sights and Tastes of Maui on a Disney CruiseA Taste of O’ahu and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, on a Disney Cruise by Arnaldo Zanonato: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

I can’t wait to see “Tomorrowland” which is now playing in theatres. To celebrate the release of this new motion picture, we are offering a T-shirt for adults, women and kids on the Disney Parks online store from May 22-28. Designed by Disney Design Group artist Richard Terpstra, the shirts will contain a glow-in-the-dark “Tomorrowland” logo. The back of the shirts will also have the word “Tomorrowland.” You can find the shirt by visiting this link. Please allow 3-5 weeks for delivery; express shipping will not be available. While the shirts will only be found online, we are releasing an open edition pin at Disney Parks. I couldn’t resist recreating a scene from the film using this new pin as a prop. Look for the pin in a variety of merchandise locations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. In Disney’s riveting mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” a jaded scientist and an optimistic teen embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space. Directed by two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird, “Tomorrowland” stars Academy Award® winner George Clooney as scientist and former boy-genius Frank Walker and Britt Robertson as Casey Newton. Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of. ‘Tomorrowland’ Shirt Coming to Disney Parks Online Store from May 22-28 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We’re back at the Backlot Express! Learn About: Backlot ExpressDisney's Hollywood Studios Disney World RestaurantsAnd it’s a good time to visit, since Backlot Express is really THE place to go in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to get that “backlot” feel, especially since The Studio Backlot Tour attraction closed down last September. It’s also a good time solely because it’s always a good time to visit Backlot Express. With its fantastically-done themeing, this movie production warehouse that’s actually an eatery serves up Quick Service favorites (with a few unique items thrown in), and it’s long been just about my favorite Counter Service restaurant in Hollywood Studios. Of course, now you’ll find part of it decorated for the Rebel Hangar Star Wars Lounge Experience for Star Wars Weekends, but my most recent visit took place just a couple weeks prior to the temporary redecoration. It’s been too long, I’d say… so let’s head back inside Backlot Express! AtmosphereYes, Backlot Express is a Counter Service stop, so the goal —aside from getting fed — is to be in and out and get back to the attractions. In fact, that was even more of the goal with the Express Order test. But if you have a little extra time, I’d really encourage you to spend some of it exploring the terrific details here. This “Warehouse of Good Eating” (its slogan is on the main entrance sign), in story, serves as a warehouse for the Studios, storing all manner of movie production items from paints and props to storyboards and stunt gear. Backlot Express sign and “warehouse” entrance The sculpture area is super cool, with the scupltures all in white awaiting their paint. Sculpture Sculptures Sculpture And you can spot pops of color here and there, too. Painted sculpture Speaking of paints… you’ll see cans upon cans of the stuff, in both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Paint cans Paint cans in outdoor seating Though you could choose to eat in the stunt crew area. Stunt diagram But I can’t say that I have, since I find the stunt dummies sitting above –frankly — a little creepy. Stunt dummies Stunt dummy Some of my favorite details, though, are reminders that you’ve walked into a functioning, working warehouse complete with safety-in-the-workplace and supply conservation signs. Save Money sign Safety Quiz There is even the ol’ office bulletin board for the Paint Department, displaying inter-team memos as well as personal notes from department members. Pain Department Bulletin Board Paint Department Bulletin Board It appears Janet and Paul have an Atari 2600 for sale ! (Should we tell them they could probably do better than the $15 if they sell it on ebay?) And I love harkening back to the days when we didn’t always use an area code… . For sale And if you need something, you can always call Johnny… Contact Johnny sign Or not . Contact Johnny sign This just scratches the surface, and I could seriously explore this place ALL. DAY. But hunger, alas, strikes… EatsNot much has changed here in recent years… burgers, hot dogs, and chicken breast nuggets comprise the bulk of the menu, while vegetarian options include a salad and Grilled Vegetable Sandwich. Backlot Express Menu When you take a closer look, though, you’ll notice a bit more variety. For instance, the Chicken Breast Nuggets come in the standard style you’ll find in Counter Service restaurants all over Disney World, but you’ll only find the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Nuggets in a few select locations. It’s pretty much a given that any time this New York girl sees the words “Buffalo Chicken” on a menu, I’m grabbing whatever it is. I love the regular ol’ Chicken Breast Nuggets, too, so this basically combines two of my favorites when you add in the quite-spicy Buffalo sauce. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast Nuggets It comes with your choice of carrot sticks or fries, but I would’ve loved some typical Buffalo dish touches like a blue cheese alongside, and maybe some celery, too, would be a nice touch (it’s worth noting, though, that you can typically find some ranch dressing at the condiments bar). I will say, the sauce does soften some of the nice crunch that comes along with the breading on the nuggets. Which makes them even awesomer. The 1/3 Pound Angus Onion Straw Bacon Burger topped with horseradish sauce is up next. Just check out the toppings on this one! 1/3 Pound Angus Onion Straw Bacon Burger 1/3 Pound Angus Onion Straw Burger Or maybe I shouldn’t call them “toppings,” since you’ll find most of the extras under the patty of this stacked burger. 1/3 Pound Angus Onion Straw Burger There’s a reason why you’ll find a lot of fried-onion topped burgers these days: it’s because they’re awesome. And the onion straws featured here are more substantial than the crispy fried onions you’ll find on a lot of other Disney burgers (the French Dip Burger from Electric Umbrella and the Gasparilla Island Grill’s Grand Gaspy Burger come to mind). It’s like getting a whole other side dish along with your meal, and I think the extra buck over the standard cheeseburger here is worth it for the splurge. But note that Disney counter service burgers often have to rely on their toppings for flavor. The patties are usually pretty overdone, dry, and flavorless. (I actually take a bite of JUST the patty on every burger in the hopes that it will be delicious. It never is.) Of course, what could go better with a burger than a beer? Or, if you’re my good friend, a hard cider ;)? That’s what you’ll get with the After Burner — it’s Angry Orchard Cider with a shot of cinnamon whiskey, which goes wonderfully with the cider’s apple flavor (it debuted here around the holidays as “Torched Holiday Cider.”) Torched Cider That’s right… hard cider with even MORE of a kick. What more can I say ? With all that, it was nice to have the Cantaloupe and Cucumber Salad along for something a bit lighter: romaine lettuce, red onions, tomato, green peas, and a zinfandel vinaigrette… oh, and cantaloupe and cucumber ;). They’re hard to spot, but they’re in there, I promise — just not in amounts massive enough to actually call this a cantaloupe and cucumber salad. Cucumber and Cantaloupe Salad This is just a simple and refreshing salad. I love the way red onion combines with any kind of fruit (it’s a surprisingly great combo!), and the zinfandel vinaigrette — fruity and herbal at the same time — provides a nice change of pace. Even with that, I do have one more for you: the Pressed Turkey Club is turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese, roasted red pepper, and arugula on multigrain bread. Pressed Turkey Club Yep… more bacon . Though a lighter touch of it than you’ll find on the burger. Pressed Turkey Club There are two things about this one that differentiate it from your basic turkey sandwich: the bit of zip from the roasted red pepper and the hearty-but-not-too-seedy multigrain bread. The fact that it’s hot-pressed helps, too. Not a showstopper, but decent! So with some serious detail exploration done and a full tummy, I wrapped up my most recent visit to Backlot Express. OverallLike I said, Backlot Express remains a favorite thanks to exceptional themeing that really — to me — captures much of the heart of Hollywood Studios. But it’s not only that. With its bit of variety among the standards, it’s also a place I can continue to recommend for the food. And with all the other changes we’ve seen (and presumably will continue to see!) at Hollywood Studios… The end of the Sorcerer’s Hat … it’s nice to come back to a classic every now and then . Have you dined at Backlot Express? Please let us know about your experience with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Now with New Menu AND Buffalo Nuggets!) Snack Series: Desserts from Backlot Express News! Food Pre-order Test in Progress at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Two men died Monday after being pulled from rough waters on Central Florida's east coast, authorities said, the second and third drownings of the holiday weekend. View the full article

For nearly 40 years, the New York Deli, a sandwich shop known for its gyros, has been perched on the corner of Orange Avenue and Colonial Drive in downtown Orlando. View the full article

A woman is dead and multiple children have been hospitalized after an SUV overturned on State Road 40 near Cone Road in Ormond Beach on Monday afternoon, the Florida Highway Patrol said. View the full article

The scattering of ashes from a burned Confederate flag drew a crowd of about 75 people Monday, including a handful of protesters. View the full article

The keyboards in the music-theory lab at Howard Middle School are silent, but the students are busy composing on iMacs as they listen to their melodies on headphones. View the full article

In the next couple of days, I’ll be bringing you more

Four children were injured

Want to explore the Disneyland Resort in a whole new way? Leap into the world of Disney Infinity and play with the new Disneyland Toy Box! Just launched along with the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, the Disneyland Toy Box was created by the Disney Infinity community. Players have been designing attractions for the game over the past few months, and many even teamed up to create the best attractions possible. Now the winning designs are available to download! Take a look! The complete Disneyland Toy Box includes: Main Street, U.S.A.Fantasyland: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disneyland/mr-toads-wild-ride/?CMP=SOC-DPFY15Q3DisneyInfinityToyBoxforDLR600006' target="_blank">Mr. Toad

As the nation marks the 50th anniversary of the first ground troops in Vietnam, one Army squad leader said it's been a long time since anyone has called him a baby killer, murderer or rapist. View the full article

Charter Communications is near a deal to acquire Time Warner Cable for about $195 a share -- furthering Charter's quest to build one of the nation's largest cable TV and Internet service companies. View the full article

President Barack Obama saluted Americans who died in battle Monday, saying the country must "never stop trying to fully repay them" for their sacrifices and noting the first Memorial Day in 14 years without U.S. forces involved in a major ground war. View the full article

Nighttime at Disneyland Resort is now a little brighter with the release of new Made with Magic items. Created especially for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, we have introduced a celebratory ear hat and a magical paintbrush. I caught up with Tracie Alt, merchandiser for headware, to learn more about the ear hat.